• Altitude of up to 1550 – 2200
• Produced washed and exceptionally unwashed coffee
• Cup: fine acidity, medium body with spicy
• Has: small to medium sized beans, Greenish
• Blended for gourmet or specialty coffee
Sidama Zone is a zone in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia. It is named for the Sidama people, whose homeland is in the zone. Sidama is bordered on the south by the Oromia Region (except for a short stretch in the middle where it shares a border with Gedeo zone), on the west by the Bilate River, which separates it from Wolayita zone, and on the north and east by the Oromia Region. Towns in Sidama include Hawassa,the capital of Sidama and SNNPRS, Yirgalem and Wendo. Sidama has a population of around 3.2 million in 2017 who speak the Cushitic language Sidama (also known as Sidamigna)[1].
Sidama Zone is located in Southern Ethiopia where finest coffee grows. Sidama coffee is mainly produced in Sidama zone, but it also includes coffee produced in the neighboring zones such as Amaro, Guji, Borena, Bale, Waliyta, Kambata, Gamo Gofa and South Omo zones. Sidama zone is the leading coffee producing and the largest supplier of washed coffee in the country.
Sidama zone is well known for its production of garden (cottage coffee) that is grown in the garden and fertilized with organic nutrients. It produces world class washed coffee due to its ideal soil type, climate, altitude, rainfall and temperature, for the production of high quality coffee. Coffee is grown in the garden and planted at low densities, ranging from 1000 to 1800 trees per hectare. Garden coffee is fertilized with organic nutrients and is often intercropped with inset (false banana). Sidama coffee is known for its high quality across the world and has built a reputation over many decades. Sidama coffee is low yielding variety with the highest cup quality. Sidama bean is small to medium size, greenish gray color and it has balanced taste and fine flavor with distinct sweetness. It has fine acidity, good body and is always sold as specialty coffee.
Traceable Information:
Ethiopia, South Nation and Nationality Region, Sidama zone and Other Neighboring zones
Sidama A: Benesa, Chire, Bona Zuria, Arrpressa & Arbigona
Sidama B: Aleta Wendo, Dale, Chuko, Dara, Shebedino, Wensho, Loko Abaya, Amaro & Dilla Zuria
Sidama C: Wolliata, Kembata & Timbaro
Sidama D: Bale, Chole & Nansebo
Sidama E: South Ari, North Ari, Melo, Denba Gofa, Geze Gofa, Arbaminch Zuria, Basketo, Derashe, Konso, Konta, Gena Bosa & Esera
Variety: Indigenous Ethiopian Arabica Coffee
Altitude: 1500 – 2,100 MASL
Coffee Processing: Washed and Natural
Harvesting Method: Hand picking
Harvest Season: September – December
Export Season: January – August
